MEC for Finance and e-Government, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, visited the community of Thembisa at Motsu Park on May 12.
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The visit was part of the Gauteng government Ntirhisano Community Outreach Programme.
According to Kgadishi Moloto, deputy director of corporate communication in the Gauteng provincial government, Ntirhisano focuses on bringing departmental services to the community.
“As part of the programme, initiated by the premier of Gauteng, we decided to go to the community of Thembisa as other departments and their MECs also chose other areas within Ekurhuleni,” said Moloto.
The community engaged with the MEC about their grievances, particularly in business, as well as the impact of the lack of resources on the progress of their businesses and informal settlement economy.
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Tebogo Mqaba noted that he owned a pest control and fumigation company. However, he has an issue with non-compliance with business documents, which hinders him from getting into business with the government or any big company.
“MEC, I have had my business for years now and this one thing hinders its growth. I thought I had all the necessary documents to qualify to do business with the government and don’t know where and how to apply for the documents they always say I lack,” Mqaba said during the visit.
Another resident, Siphiwo Dike, said he was grateful that Nkomo-Ralehoko came to the community.
He said he has experience in manufacturing bars of soap and would like the government to assist him in getting equipment to produce on a full scale.
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“As a physically disabled person who has lived here for many years, I have seen how discouraged our young people are because they cannot find jobs and they have nothing to do.
“I think it is time we get our young generation something they can uplift themselves and the community with. That is why I need help in getting this equipment so I can help educate and employ them in my business,” said Dike.
Addressing the members of the community, Nkomo-Ralehoko referred to the newly passed Township Economic Development Act. She said with the Act the government showcases the steps they have taken to assist township entrepreneurs and the township economy.
“With all the challenges of the community, I am pleased to say that through the Township Economic Development Act, there will be funds available to assist small businesses in the informal settlement.
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“This will help in creating enterprise zones for businesses in the informal settlements. Through this Act, better procurement rules will help in getting funding quicker.
“Through this Act the government will also help purchase goods from these township-based businesses and link them to markets where their goods and services are needed,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Through the outreach programme, the department also introduced the community to the new E-waste Management programme, as well as providing services of the Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration for SMMEs, promoting the E-services such as E-invoicing and registering job seekers on the E-recruitment system.
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